Women's Club: Support for Jelena Jovanović, a society that wants to move forward must protect media freedom

The Women's Club of the Parliament of Montenegro announced that it expresses strong support for independent journalism and strongly condemns hate speech, as well as any form of pressure and targeting, and especially the threat to the life of Jelena Jovanović.

"Journalism, like politics, is a responsible and often risky profession. Journalists and public officials often face pressure, threats and attempts at intimidation, especially when they point out problems such as corruption and organized crime. In totalitarian and undemocratic societies, free speech is often perceived as a threat, because those who do not want accountability and transparency seek to silence critical voices. However, a society that wants to move forward must protect media freedom, the right to public speech and the safety of all who do their jobs professionally and responsibly," the Women's Club said in a statement.

According to them, those who hold public office understand the responsibility and gravity of public engagement, as well as the courage it entails, and how much perseverance is needed to consistently perform public duties.

"Unfortunately, when we become the subject of attack, it often speaks to the importance of what we do, while those who feel threatened often resort to attacks and discrediting, and sometimes even apparent public support, to disguise their real intentions," it said.

The Women's Club of the Parliament called on all competent institutions to take measures without delay to protect Jelena Jovanović, who made certain allegations during a television appearance and, in accordance with her media duty, once again pointed out the need to fight crime.

"Any attempt to intimidate journalists represents an attack on media freedom and the public's right to be informed, which is why the system must not show weakness in the face of those who try to conceal the truth through pressure," it concludes.